Forgotten Figures in Jamaican History That Deserve Recognition

Forgotten but Fiery: Jamaican Historical Figures Who Deserve a Little More “Big Up”
By: Di Yard Culture Watcher

Let’s face it — when it comes to Jamaican history, we recycle the same seven names harder than a dancehall riddim remix. You’d swear our ancestors only produced seven great people, and then just collectively said,
“Mi done now. Mi tired.”

But let me tell you — there’s a whole bunch of historical heavyweights buried in the archives, hiding behind Marcus Garvey’s big ideas and Nanny’s bullet-dodging resume. These are the unsung warriors, the background champions, the ones who walked so the heroes with statues could run.

Today, we’re opening the dusty cupboard of Jamaican history and giving a loud “Big up yuhself!” to the forgotten figures who deserve more shine than a fresh pair of Clarks.

1. Amy Ashwood Garvey – The Original “Ride or Rise” Woman

While Marcus Garvey gets all the glory and half the airport, Amy Ashwood — his first wife — was right there building the foundation of the UNIA with him. She wasn’t just making sandwiches and clapping in the front row. No sah! Amy was organizing, fundraising, and delivering fire speeches that had people shouting:
“Yes, Empress!”

After she and Marcus parted ways (don’t ask, it’s complicated), she still kept fighting for Black empowerment, women’s rights, and Caribbean unity.

Translation: While Marcus was talking about “Back to Africa,” Amy was halfway packing the suitcase and sorting the paperwork.

2. Tacky – The Rebel Who Tried Fi Bun Down Di System

Everybody knows Paul Bogle. But before Paul took that long, dusty walk to Kingston, there was Tacky — an enslaved African from St. Mary who led a full-blown uprising in 1760. And guess what? It almost worked!

Tacky and his crew mashed up plantations, took over Fort Haldane, and had plantation owners bawling:
“Lawks! Di enslaved dem get bold!”

Sure, it didn’t end with freedom for all, but that rebellion planted the seed. Tacky proved that resistance wasn’t just possible — it was necessary. Honestly, Tacky deserves at least a toll-free highway named after him.

3. Mary Seacole – The Jamaican Nurse Who Was Basically a Superwoman

British history books love to hype up Florence Nightingale, but Mary Seacole? She was the real MVP — part-nurse, part-healer, full-on legend.

During the Crimean War, she set up her own “British Hotel” near the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers. Not bad for a woman who was told “no” by the establishment and still responded with:
“Mi a go do it mi way!”

She used bush medicine, herbs, and pure heart, and became a household name… in Britain. Meanwhile, back in Jamaica, she’s barely mentioned outside of health class and one CXC question. Unnu gwaan disrespectful.

4. Verene Shepherd – The Living Legend in the Library

Alright, we stepping into modern times here — because history is not just about dead people with funny hats.

Professor Verene Shepherd is one of Jamaica’s most respected historians, advocates, and researchers. She’s been pushing for reparations, defending the Caribbean’s legacy, and reminding the world that
“Jamaica nuh start wid sugar and slavery alone.”

If she’s not writing books, she’s giving speeches. And if she’s not giving speeches, she’s out here reminding folks in the diaspora that being Caribbean is a full-time heritage.

5. Captain Kojo – The Real Maroon Maverick

Everyone knows Queen Nanny, but Captain Kojo (also known as Cudjoe) deserves his flowers too. Kojo was Nanny’s brother (yes, it runs in the family), and he led the Leeward Maroons during the First Maroon War.

He negotiated the 1739 Peace Treaty with the British — which gave the Maroons land and autonomy, and probably caused many colonial folks to clutch their pearls and say:
“Dem Black people dem serious.”

Without Kojo, half of western Jamaica would’ve still been under full British control, and you wouldn’t be able to shout “Free paper bun!” in peace.

Honorable Mentions: Because Mi Cyan Done Yet

• Thomas J. Lindo – One of Jamaica’s first pharmacists and public health advocates. Basically the reason we can buy “bush medicine inna bottle” today.
• Agnes “Aggie” Bernard – Community builder and the reason why half of rural St. James has clean water and functioning schools.
• Sister Ignatius – The nun who basically built the Alpha Boys’ School music legacy and helped raise the greatest ska musicians Jamaica ever exported.

So Why Dem Get Forgotten?

Jamaican history sometimes feels like it got stuck in a school project loop — same faces, same facts, same “draw and talk”.

But the truth is, our national narrative is way richer. There are freedom fighters, culture shapers, and intellectual giants who didn’t make the highlight reel — but still deserve a standing ovation.

And maybe if more of these stories were told with some spice, humor, and actual heart — instead of sounding like a dry reading from Mr. Chin textbook — then the next generation would be hyped to learn, not just memorize.

Final Word from Di Yard Culture Watcher:

History is not a buffet where you only pick di parts yuh like. It’s a pot of pepperpot soup — sometimes spicy, sometimes strange, but always better when yuh stir up all di parts.

So next time someone tells you Jamaican history is boring, tell them:
“Yuh jus nuh meet di right cast of characters yet.”

Mi gone. And mi off to campaign for Tacky to get a $5000 note and Amy Ashwood to get her own airport terminal.

Because let’s be real — “nuh true hero fi lef offa history page like scotch bonnet pon bland soup.”